Recent Sightings 14th Feb 2022
The following sightings were taken on Monday from the reserve at Castle Espie on a low tide. The Green-winged Teal is still being spotted on the Main Lake amongst the usual groups of Common Teal and Mallard. It is distinguishable from the Common Teal by its vertical white stripe on the flank and much less visible yellow markings on the head of the male. The Kingfisher was also spotted, perched motionless overlooking the Main Lake. Kingfishers are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and are of conservation Least Concern. They feed on small fish and aquatic insects, and can often be found near still or slow flowing water. It has been seen several times perching on branches to the right of The Turtle Hide, and can be easily spotted through binoculars by its striking bright colours. A group of 10 Turnstone were spotted on the Estuary, a small brown and white bird with a distinct black and white head pattern. Their name is derived from the way they tend to turn over stones to seek out food from underneath them.
Estuary - visible from the Brent Hide and the Limekiln Observatory
Herring gull 2, Oystercatcher 219, Redshank 7, Light-bellied brent goose 2, Black-headed gull 4, Shelduck 1, Knot ~320, Greater black-backed gull 2, Eider 24, Turnstone 10, Jackdaw 2
Main lake - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 52, Tufted duck 4, Teal 17, Little egret 1, Kingfisher 1, Grey Wagtail 2
Shingle Bank - visible from Sensory garden and Visitor Centre
Mallard 35, Teal 67, Oystercatcher 4, Green-winged teal 1, Common gull 1, Black-headed gull 1
Wadermarsh - visible from Wadermarsh lookout and Brent Hide
Moorhen 2, Greenshank 2, Shelduck 2, Gadwall 7, Redshank 5, Teal 8
Freshwater Lagoon - visible from Brent Hide and Crannóg
Moorhen 1, Mallard 2, Teal 1, Redshank 1, Hooded crow 1
Saline Lagoon - visible from Limekiln observatory
Redshank 2, Wood pigeon 3
Brickworks
Limestone Lake
Moorhen 1, Little grebe 1
Peninsula Saltmarsh
Redshank 1, Light-bellied brent goose 7, Curlew 1, Herring gull 1
Peninsula Field
Woodland
Blackbird, Wren, Chaffinch, Great tit, Siskin, Robin, Wood pigeon, Coal tit, Magpie
